Jean Margaret Sebern, 88, Charles City

Jean Margaret Sebern, 88, of Charles City, passed on, into new life with Christ, peacefully at home early Sunday morning, January 29, 2017.

A memorial service will be held Friday, February 3, 2017 at 3:00 pm at Trinity United Methodist Church in Charles City with Pastor Jim Beranek officiating. Visitation will be held at church one hour prior.

Jean was born March 15, 1928, only child of Elmer (Pat) Huxsol and Cora Livingston Huxsol on a farm SW of Charles City where she learned her love of the Iowa farmland, while enjoying time with her pony, cats and dog. Jean attended country schools and Charles City High School, graduating in 1946. She then attended Cornell College in Mt. Vernon, Iowa receiving her Bachelor Degree in 1950. While at Cornell, in an Anatomy class, she met the love of her life, “Johnny” Sebern. They were married in Osage, Iowa, December 22, 1949, recently celebrating 67 years of marriage. They were blessed with two daughters, Jan and Judy.

Being a lifelong resident of Charles City, Jean was an encyclopedia of knowledge regarding people and places. She had a fantastic memory and was always glad to share her knowledge. Prior to children, Jean worked as a secretary for Oliver Tractor in the early 1950’s. She also worked as Jr. High Library Assistant 1968 to 1978. Jean was very active in her community: United Methodist Women, PEO, AAUW, Eastern Star, Rainbow Girls, and 4-H leader. Jean, a true lady and a classic example of women in her generation, was a strong, well-educated woman who found fulfillment in her role as wife, mother and grandmother. She was a true Christian, always doing some little kindness for someone else. Jean was the consummate hostess providing visitors coffee and a sweet treat, during conversations around the kitchen table. Jean was an avid fan of Iowa Hawkeye basketball, Paul Newman and Andy Williams’ music. She also enjoyed gardening, feeding backyard birds, sewing, counted cross-stitch, bowling league, and bridge club.

The family thanks the staff of Floyd County Medical Center for their excellent care this past year, and gratitude for Lacey, Arlene, Robin and Todd of Hospice of North Iowa. BIG thank you, also, to Pastor Jim, her church family, her PEO sisters and many faithful friends for all their loving support of Jean and her family.

Chris was born in Webster City and raised in Charles City. As a young kid, he would always be caught singing along to songs on the radio. He says he's good at karaoke but we think otherwise. ;) In his free time, he enjoys beginning new projects at home and hardly ever finishing them. Chris lives in Charles City with his wife Vicki and a daughter Brynlee.